War of 1812 Begins
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812. Motivated by issues including trade restrictions brought about by Britain’s ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, and conflicts over territory in North America, this war challenged the young […]
Charleston Church Shooting
On the evening of June 17, 2015, a devastating act of violence occurred at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, one of the United States’ oldest black churches. A gunman killed nine African American church members, including senior pastor and state senator Clementa C. Pinckney, during a Bible study session. This […]
France Agrees to Surrender to Nazis
On June 17, 1940, during the throes of World War II, the French government, led by Prime Minister Paul Reynaud, resigned after days of German advances. Marshal Philippe Pétain, who took over from Reynaud, immediately announced his intent to seek an armistice with Nazi Germany. This decision marked the beginning of the end for independent […]
Statue of Liberty Arrives in New York Harbor
On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States, arrived in New York Harbor aboard the French ship Isère. This monumental statue, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, was shipped in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 […]
Bob Dylan Records “Like a Rolling Stone”
Bob Dylan recorded “Like a Rolling Stone” on June 16, 1965, a song that would become one of the most influential tracks in the history of popular music. Released as a single later that summer, the song marked a significant departure from Dylan’s earlier folk music style, featuring a rock sound that would come to […]
Ford Motor Company Incorporated
The Ford Motor Company was incorporated on June 16, 1903, by Henry Ford and a group of investors. This pivotal moment in American industry not only led to the mass production of automobiles but also introduced revolutionary production methods, including the assembly line technique. Ford’s vision made cars affordable and accessible to the average American, […]
First Roller Coaster in America Opens
On June 16, 1884, the first commercial roller coaster in America, known as the Switchback Railway, opened to the public at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. Designed by LaMarcus Adna Thompson, this early thrill ride was quite modest by modern standards, traveling at just six miles per hour, but it sparked America’s interest in […]
U.S. Congress Passes the Espionage Act
On June 15, 1917, during World War I, the United States Congress passed the Espionage Act. This act made it a crime to convey information with intent to interfere with the U.S. armed forces’ operations or to promote the success of the country’s enemies. Designed to prevent support of U.S. enemies during wartime, the Espionage […]
First African American Graduate of West Point
Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 15, 1877. Despite facing severe discrimination and social isolation during his time at the academy, Flipper persevered and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His achievement marked a significant, though […]
King John Puts His Seal on Magna Carta
On June 15, 1215, King John of England placed his royal seal on the Magna Carta at Runnymede, near Windsor. This document, forced upon him by his rebellious barons, limited the power of the monarchy, establishing the principle that the king was not above the law. The Magna Carta is often regarded as a fundamental […]